The conical pillars are made with bamboo that was first soaked in mud, smoke-dried, and then joined using rattan fiber and bamboo nails. Not an ounce of steel was used to support the structure, which was prefabricated off-site to minimize waste, and the natural material is so perfect for Viet Nam’s muggy climate that the designers didn’t have to install air-conditioning to keep hotel and banquet guests cool.

Functioning like a forest canopy with plenty of natural light filtered through the plastic panels, the bamboo overhang also generates plenty of shade. This combined with the nearby shallow pools creates a cool microclimate that is comfortable year-round. And lastly, bridges across the pools allow for a total of three access points to the dining room, which serves breakfast, dinner and tea. If you love this, check out some of Vo Trong Nghia’s other bamboo projects.